We may be in the 21st century now, but there are still some parts of the world where period shaming is rampant. According to a recent poll, 42% of girls felt and experienced period-shaming brought about by comments made by males. How awful for our tweens and teens, when it's the most natural thing in the world, and the changes in our bodies and brains brought on by puberty is enough to deal with, without adding period shaming into the mix!
In fact, "more than 1 in 3 boys think periods should be kept a secret." Plan International. Yikes! that's higher than we'd like it to be!
As parents, it's in our best interest to protect and give what's best to our kids. If you're a mum to a tween who's reach puberty, and is about to get her period, you'll understand the fear and anxiety you (both) can struggle with ... fear of the unknown is real! Not because getting your period is a bad thing, but because of the trolls and bullies out there who might get into your precious little girl's head.
Menstruation, in itself, is already very challenging (from PMS, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and worse, for some girls), it's only right that we make their journey to womanhood as smooth as possible, minus the shaming. Watch the video below to know what women and girls go through every month.
The results of period shaming on women and girls
A.) Low self-esteem and confidence level
With period shaming, comes gender inequality. In the "olden days", women were thought to be weak and less worthy. Women were not allowed to vote, not allowed to work, not allowed to dress how they wanted, not allowed to speak up, and the list goes on and on.
Women have fought hard to move past that! Period are part of every girls' reproductive cycle. It's part of their journey to womanhood. It's what makes them who they are, what makes them a woman - the woman that makes our mothers, our sisters, our friends, our teachers, our partners.
B.) Limits women and girls
58% of Indonesians said they can't go to school or work when they're menstruating, while 73% said they can't go to a place of worship.
How to fight this stigma?
As parents, we need to start with teaching our kids that periods are part of life, and are completely normal. Empowering our daughters (and sons!) to stand up when they hear period shaming or bullying, is important. Talking openly with our sons from an early age so they can support their friends and sisters, is also really important.
When your daughter starts puberty, educate her about the products she'll need, and make sure you explain the importance of sustainable and reusable period products that are not only good for her, but also to the environment. Our kids are interested in climate change, so make sure they understand how they can do their bit by the products they choose.
Let your daughters wear pre-period undies on the days leading up to her period, so she's ready and confident whenever, wherever. Check out our range of period undies here!
Read our blog about why your girls need pre-period knickers BEFORE they get their period! Click here!
